The Prince And The Pauper Mark Twain (1835-1910) Essays

The Prince and the Pauper Mark Twain (1835-1910) The Prince and the Pauper Mark Twain (1835-1910) Type of Work: Social and political satire Setting England, 1547 Principal Characters Edward Tudor-young Prince of Wales Tom Canty-a pauper boy Miles Hendon-a kindhearted noblemen Story Overview A boy was born on an autumm afternoon to a poverty-stricken Canty family. With the state of London's sixteenth-century economy staring them in the face, the family did not want the child. On the same day another English lad was born into the rich and royal Tudor family. These parents savored their baby - infact all of England had longed, hoped and prayed for this son. Now that he had arrived the, British subjects were overjoyed; young Edward Tudor, Prince of Wales was revered by all - in stark contrast to Tom Cantry's birth, of which no one took note excepting his family, who was only troubled by his arrival. Tom Cantry grew up in Offal Court. He lived a wrentched life, and indeed, knew no other. Every morning Tom was sent off to beg. If he came home emty-handed, his father and his grandmother would soundly beat him. So, often, when the afternoon rolled around and the boy reckoned that he had begged enough to avoid a beating, he would race to Father Andrew's monestary for the remainder of the day. Over the months, good Father taught Tom how to read, gave him some intruction in Latin, and recited wondrous tales of royalty. And because of his education, intelligence and grace, Tom seemed far wiser than others his age. Peoplke would frequently come seeking his advice, despite his low station. But it was the beggar boy's greatest wish to witness a real prince all decked out in his royal attire; and one January morning Tom obtained his wish. He journeyed to Charing Village, the site of the King's majestic palace, and, to his amazment, inside the fence he beheld a young boy his age - a true prince. As he drew closer and closer to observe the little gentleman, suddenly he was rudely snatched up by a soldier. The prince, Edward Tudor, saw this action and came to Tom's rescue, and afterward he invited the young pauper into the palace. So, the Prince of Poverty passed the palace gates to join hands with the Prince of Limitless Plenty. Safely within the castle, the prince gave Tom some food. Soon they were comfortably chatting back and forth about their different families and opposite lifestyles. On a whim, Tom and Edward changed into each others clothes. And when they stared into the mirror, a miricle seemed to have happened: they appeared to be twins - the same hair and eyes, face and countenance, voice and manner. Then, while still in the changed garments, Edward noticed Tom's bruised hand and went out to reprimand the guard who had caused it. The soldier laughed at the waif's pretense to royal wrath, instantly tossed him out thegate. Tom Canty was now the new Prince of Wales and Edward became the prince of paupers. Edward's life as a beggar was not as he had been accustomed. First, he was abused and ridiculed by a crowd as he professed to be England's rightful prince. Then, Tom's drunken father found him, and took him home to Offal Court, where Edward was beaten. That night, however, the father received word that he was wanted for murder. As he hurriedly rushed to escape, dragging the boy behind him, Edward managed to twist free from his grasp, and he disappeared into the crowded street. Once a distance from the Canty house, Edward put himself in a precarious postion by again trying to convince others that he was a prince. Of course, the commoners and merchants again mocked the young boy. But just at this moment a gentleman, Miles Hendon, stood up to defend Edward. While he did not believe Edward's wild claim to be Prince of Wales, Hendon decided to be the boy's champion, take him on his journey back to his village, and minister to him until he came to his senses. It had been seven years since Miles Hendon had been home, and he was anxious to see his father, his older brother, Arthur, and Edith, his true love. As Miles and Edward traveled together, they received word that King Henry VIII had died. Thus, Edward was now indeed King of all England - and most likely the only living soul who mourned the death of Henry. Throughout his trek homeward, Miles treated Edward as though he were a real king. He helped him dress, waited on him, fed him, and